Homily for the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure

Our Gospel passage today completes a significant sermon—the Missionary Discourse—spoken by Jesus to those who would continue His work. Today's Scriptures remind us that following the will of God can be challenging and even disruptive of peace. Jesus says, "I have come not to bring peace, but the sword."

In saying this, Jesus refers to the suffering and conflict in our lives. We may remember Simeon's "blessing" and words to Mary as she held the infant Jesus in her arms: "This child is destined to be the fall and the rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted." And there are many documented incidents in which God's people were oppressed because of racial bias and nationalistic envy.

Much like politics, disagreements about religion can stir trouble in families. What the Lord gives is not "peace at any price" but a unique peace from staying close to Jesus. If there is conflict within our family, let it be for the sake of personal conscience and not from any dominating or judgmental spirit. We are called to be sincere, not authoritarian. Jesus wants us to welcome people and be thankful for what others may offer us. Even such a simple gift as a cup of cold water will be noted in the Book of Life to one's credit.